Top startup equity planning financial advisors in San Rafael, CA
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you recently received startup equity or are about to, you need an advisor who understands how to navigate its unique tax and liquidity challenges. Without specialized knowledge, you might miss key opportunities to optimize your equity's value or face unexpected tax bills.
- Equity type expertise. Confirm they know the difference between stock options, restricted stock units, and other equity forms, as each has distinct tax and exercise implications.
- Tax timing strategies. Ask how they help plan around income spikes and potential AMT (alternative minimum tax) triggers common with startup equity.
- Liquidity event planning. Ensure they can guide you through decisions about when to sell or hold shares, balancing growth potential with cash needs.
- Integration with overall finances. Look for advisors who consider your startup equity alongside your broader financial picture, including property tax impacts under California's Proposition 13.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Juan P
Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Optimo Capital
Juan Polanco specializes in startup equity planning, leveraging 11 years of experience and a Series 66 designation to address the unique tax and liquidity challenges faced by startup founders and executives. Based in nearby San Francisco, he offers flexible flat-fee and project-based pricing through Optimo Capital, which serves emerging companies with a blend of macro analysis and security research, distinguishing him from advisors with more traditional fee structures or less startup-focused expertise.
Experience: 11 years
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Akintayo O
Series 63, Series 65
Oakland, CA
Fidelity
Akintayo Ogundiya specializes in startup equity planning and liquidity event planning, with 18 years of industry experience and expertise in equity recipients and executive compensation. Based in Oakland, CA, he works at Fidelity, a large firm, offering comprehensive financial plans that integrate workplace benefits and equity compensation, distinguishing him from advisors with narrower focuses or smaller firm resources.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Ben F
Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Merrill
Ben Fort specializes in startup equity planning and liquidity event strategies, making him well-suited for managing the tax and liquidity challenges of startup equity in the San Francisco Bay Area. With 28 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, he serves executives and entrepreneurs, offering a 1.10% AUM fee and leading a sizable team managing $3.8 billion, which distinguishes him from smaller local advisors.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $860,085
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William F
Series 65, Series 66
San Diego, CA
LPL Financial
William Fried specializes in startup equity planning and executive compensation, making him well-equipped to address the tax and liquidity challenges of startup equity in the San Rafael area. Operating from Edward Jones, a large firm with over $1 trillion in assets, he offers a comprehensive wealth management approach with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, serving clients including dentists and business founders.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $399,489
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